Homopolymerisation

Homopolymerisation is a type of polymerisation reaction where a single type of monomer molecule repeatedly adds to itself to form a long polymer chain. The monomer unit, which is the repeating structural unit in the polymer, is identical to the original monomer. This process is in contrast to copolymerisation, where two or more different types of monomers are involved in forming the polymer chain.

The general formula for homopolymerisation can be represented as n M → -(M)-n, where M represents the monomer and -(M)-n represents the polymer chain with n repeating monomer units. Examples of common homopolymers include polyethylene, formed from the polymerisation of ethene (ethylene), and polypropylene, formed from the polymerisation of propene (propylene). Polystyrene, derived from styrene monomer, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), from vinyl chloride monomer, are also well-known homopolymers.

Homopolymerisation can occur through various mechanisms, including addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation. Addition polymerisation involves the direct addition of monomers without the loss of any atoms, and it can proceed via free radical, cationic, or anionic mechanisms. Condensation polymerisation, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water or methanol. The properties of the resulting homopolymer are directly related to the structure and bonding of the monomer unit.